ICP-mass spectrometry was commercially introduced in 1983 and already at the same time, the use of laser ablation (LA) was suggested as an alternative approach to pneumatic nebulization for sample introduction [1]. Nowadays, different types of lasers, providing laser radiation of different wavelengths and characterized by different pulse durations are used in the context of LA-ICP-MS.

Laser ablation allows the direct analysis of solid sample materials (no prior digestion required), which comes with a number of additional advantages, such as a reduced risk of contamination and/or analyte losses during sample preparation, lower sample consumption and a higher speed of analysis. In contrast to other “solid sampling” techniques, all types of materials are amenable to LA-ICP-MS analysis, whether transparent or opaque and conducting or isolating in nature, although the physicochemical characteristics of the sample do determine the performance of a given type of LA-unit.

Next to bulk analysis, also spatially resolved analysis is enabled by using LA for sample introduction. This includes depth profiling analysis (e.g., of multi-layered materials) and elemental mapping in 2 and sometimes even 3 dimensions with a spatial resolution down to ca. 1 µm.

All of the above characteristics have rendered LA into a widely used sample introduction technique. Especially in the geochemistry community, many groups employ LA-ICP-MS for investigating sample types (e.g., natural glasses) that are not readily digested. The capability of spatially resolved analysis enables mineral inclusions to be individually targeted and is relied on for, e.g., U-Pb dating of zircons. The overall composition of highly heterogenous materials (such as meteorite samples) can be revealed by elemental mapping, revealing distribution patterns and permitting minerals to be identified. As LA-ICP-MS can be used as an almost non-invasive analytical technique, precious samples, such as gemstones, but also objects of art can be sampled and characterized for their elemental signature with the damage inflicted not detectable by bare eye. Meanwhile, LA-ICP-MS has also found its place in the bio-world, e.g., for studying element distributions in thin sections of plant, animal or human tissue. Development of both LA equipment and analytical methodology continues and recently, LA has even been reported as a tool to introduce small individual entities, such as engineered nanoparticles, cells and microplastics into the ICP.

Of course, the technique also comes with limitations. Samples can, e.g., not be diluted and no internal standard can be added without additional sample treatment and also highly heterogenous sample material causes problems when bulk analysis is aimed at. Adequate quantification can be challenging with LA-ICP-MS and usually requires access to matrix-matched solid standards, although also the use of aqueous standards and approaches relying on studying the effect of changing the instrument settings on the signal intensity have been reported.

By using applications carried out within the A&MS research unit at Ghent University and/or described in the literature, the wide application range of LA-ICP-MS will be illustrated.